Alberta tables legislation seeking more control over utility rates

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith plans to axe the formula Calgary uses to bill businesses and residents for delivery of electricity and natural gas, a provincial measure made in the name of affordability and at the expense of municipal independence.The government on Monday tabled legislation that would limit the way city-owned utility companies, such as Calgary’s Enmax and Edmonton’s Epcor, calculate local access fees for electricity and natural gas. The United Conservative Party intends to make the changes by amending the Municipal Government Act, which gives the province authority over local governments.